When the phone rings at 6AM..

.. you know its bad news.
Today I planned on blogging our train wreck of a weekend, which involved a stomach virus and small children. And about the lovely package I received from my secret pal. But the phone rang at 6AM.
I heard the phone but didn't get up. I figured if it was an emergency, I know my family, they'll call again.  But before it rang a second time, Richard's mom came back to tell me, whomever it was left a message on our machine and they were crying.
I came out, checked the caller ID, and it was my sister Tracy. I promptly called her and heard sobs. Our younger sister Jill's husband, Virgil, whom I've mentioned a million times on this blog, died at 4:45 this morning, on his way to work. He swerved to miss a deer (assumed per a local witness), lost control and hit a guide rail. Here is Virg's obituary.
This picture was taken last summer at he and Jill's wedding, and will always be one of my favorites. More pictures from that day are in their own photo album over there on the right.
Virgil was not only an amazing father and husband, but an incredible son, brother, and friend. A guy who was always there when and if you needed him, for any reason. Our few months of transition before we moved to Syracuse, Virgil helped hold my spirits together, and was right there to give me a hug or a pat on the back. You never needed to ask him for help. It was like he sensed it and would be standing right next to you asking "what can I do for you?".
He could calm any baby. Colic? No big deal! And kids were just drawn to him. At every family gathering, you could always find every child.. crawling on Uncle Virgil, hanging on him, climbing up him, wrestling him, or just asking to be held by him.
Everything about him, everything he did.. was for his family.
Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers this week, but most especially, my sister Jill, their five year old son Ethan, and Olyvia who will turn one next week, without her Daddy here to help us celebrate.

ETA: First, thanks to everyone who has commented and emailed me. We appreciate it. We're heading for Pennsylvania this morning. We'd have gone first thing yesterday if everyone wasn't still suffering the tummy flu. We'll return later this week. In the meantime Richard's mom, who is still here, will hold down the fort at home.

Comments

[carole]

oh no, how horrible. I'm so sorry for your entire family's loss.

[Ann]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this terribly difficult time. Bless you all.

[Cara]

That is just so awful - I'm keeping all of you in my thoughts - but especially your sister and their kids. So so sad. Peace to your brother-in-law.

[Susan]

Carla, I'm so sorry to hear of this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Ashley]

How awful, Carla. I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Take care of yourself and each other.

[feebee]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Carla. Your family is in our prayers.

[Kerstin]

Oh, Carla, I'm terribly saddened by your family's loss. It's such a shock, to lose someone dear to your heart within a blink of an eye. My thoughts go out to you, your family, and especially Jill.

[Nancy]

I am so, so sorry for your family's loss. My thoughts are with you all.

Take care of each other.

[Stephanie]

I'm so sorry.

[heatherly]

i am so sorry to hear about your family's loss! praying.

[Rose]

i am so, so sorry.

rose aka weetzie

[Rebecca]

My condolences to you and your family at this time.Virgil must have led a good life, since he is lovingly remembered and mourned by so many. May he stand as an example to those who know/knew him.

[Shannon]

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Vicki]

Oh, Twirly, NO!! I'm so, so sorry for your family. Thinking of you all.

[Linda]

Carla - May you and your family find strength in God's presence and love at this time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

[Laura]

You and your family have my deepest condolences. *hugs*

[Nan]

Carla,
Deep caring and sympathy to you and your family - especially your sister Jill and their little ones... I haven't tuned into your blog in awhile and something made me check in tonight. I am thinking of you and keeping you all in my prayers. Hang tight. Love, Nan

[bethanie]

Wow, I am so, so sorry. Please know I'll be thinking of you and your family.

[Gwyneth]

Carla, I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you and your family.

[J.P.]

My thoughts are with you and your family! :)

[Mia]

What an awesome tribute. Sorry I didn't know sooner, I'm just getting caught up.

If there is anything at ALL i can do, just holler. I mean it.

May God bless you and your family and give you strength.

[caroline]

Carla, I am so sorry about Virgil's death. I found you via Kerstin and add my voice to all the others to let you know you'll be in my thoughts and prayers. One more thing, I got a jolt when reading the obituary. My mother is from Nicholson and my grandparents and uncle are buried in that cemetary. I have stood there many times looking out over the hills. It will be a beautiful resting place for a beautiful soul.

[Karola]

Dearest Carla, lots and lots of hugs .. i can't imagine the feel of loss.. but i hope you have and keep the wonderful memories of Virgil.. and shine his bright star for his kids!! hugs karola